CREW: Scanlon Pays While The Big Fish Get Away

February 11, 2011- Today, Michael Scanlon was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for his role in the Abramoff scandal. Mr. Scanlon served as communications director for former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX), before leaving Capitol Hill to join forces with convicted former lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Despite the lavish trips, meals and tickets provided to Rep. DeLay by Mr. Abramoff, the congressman was never charged by federal prosecutors. He was recently convicted on state charges in Texas and sentenced to three years in jail, but is free pending appeal.

In response to the news, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) Executive Director Melanie Sloan released the following statement:

"A review of the email exchanges between Mr. Scanlon and Mr. Abramoff as the pair was robbing the Tigua tribe blind is enough to shock even the most cynical and convince anyone they richly deserve to spend time behind bars. Few will shed tears for Mr. Scanlon. Nevertheless, the sad truth is that Mr. Abramoff and Mr. Scanlon would have been nothing without the powerful members of Congress who did their bidding. These members, including Rep. Don Young (R-AK), former Rep. DeLay, former Rep. John Doolittle (R-CA), and former Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT) swore to uphold the public trust and then sold it out for trips, meals and campaign donations. Former Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH) was the only member of Congress convicted in the Abramoff scandal. It just goes to show, powerful politicians can get away with almost anything."